'The Art of Horse Racing' exhibition - EMILY JOHNSON FINE ART

From 10th – 23rd March 2022, equestrian artist Emily Johnson shared Cheltenham’s Sixteen Gallery with gallery owner and oil painter Andy Owen-Smith to coincide with Cheltenham Racecourse’s Cheltenham Festival. Andy chose to concentrate on the crowds while Emily’s focussed on the horses and riders.

Both Emily and Andy were delighted to donate 10% of their profits to the Injured Jockey Fund. An incredible charity that support jockeys injured in horse racing both mentally and physically on their road to recovery.

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A bit about the artists…

Andy Owen-Smith

Andy Owen-Smith, who trained in fine art and sculpture in the late 70s, uses paint to capture slices of everyday life, using colour and form to create atmosphere, movement and tension.

“Through instinctive brush strokes and use of bold colours I try to bring spontaneity and a unique narrative to each piece of work. My latest show explores the theme of horse racing through the people that attend the meetings, their relationships with other race goers and the space around them.”

“Both Emily and I want visitors to leave with a feeling they have experienced some of the excitement, joy, sorrow, sweat, fear and energy that horse racing delivers and why it is one of the most exciting sports anyone will ever experience.”

Emily Johnson

Emily Johnson, originally from East Sussex, is a full time artist based in Gloucestershire, United Kingdom.

Emily’s fascination with science and the natural world led her to achieve a degree in Equine Science in 2008. This profound interest in the anatomy and inner mechanisms of her subjects can be seen in the artwork she produces today.

Emily takes huge inspiration from classic artists, in particular George Stubbs, whilst continuing to draw creative interest and stimulation from more modern and contemporary works.

“I’m an oil painter day to day, carrying out commissioned work of horses for clients all over the country. Although I love what I do, I had these bold and exciting ideas that I was desperate to get out. I have always had a deep affinity with charcoal, I really wanted to push the boundaries of what this medium could do.”